Aboriginal Education

Ngaarr Dhuwi Girls Program

The Ngaarr Dhuwi Girls Academy is a holistic program developed by NSW AECG Inc that supports young Aboriginal women throughout their Years 7–12 educational journey. The program nurtures culture, wellbeing, and spirit, strengthening self-determination, engagement, and pathways to successful school completion. At Swansea High School, students are supported through dedicated Ngaarr Dhuwi Girls Academy mentors who work full-time within the school setting. These mentors provide consistent, wrap-around support across all aspects of schooling, while fostering strong connections to culture, identity, and community. All Ngaarr Dhuwi mentors are Aboriginal women who bring their own knowledge, lived experience, and passion to empower and uplift our young women. In 2026, Swansea High School proudly welcomes two full-time Ngaarr Dhuwi mentors Penny Lee and Emma Humphries who work exclusively within our school to support Aboriginal female students.

Students enrolled in the Ngaarr Dhuwi Girls Academy have access to a dedicated Ngaarr Dhuwi space within the school, providing a safe, culturally affirming meeting place where students can connect, reflect, and build relationships. Through the Academy, students engage in a wide range of opportunities that strengthen identity, wellbeing, learning, leadership, and community connection across the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region.

Program Opportunities Include:

• Cultural engagement sessions (dance, weaving, art)
• Connection to Country learning and On Country experiences
• Cultural camps
• Before and after school programs
• Sporting clinics
• Breakfast Club
• In-class learning support
• Tutoring and academic support
• Personalised Pathway Plans (PLPs)
• Post-school pathways support
• Attendance support
• Targeted careers and university experiences
• Work experience support
• Leadership development opportunities
• Elders and community yarns
• Guest speakers
• Transport support for appointments and engagement activities
• Participation in community events
• Cross-school Ngaarr Dhuwi engagement across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

The Ngaarr Dhuwi Girls Academy reflects Swansea High School’s deep commitment to culturally responsive practice, equity, and empowering young Aboriginal women to thrive at school and beyond.

The Koori Room

Our Koori Room is a culturally safe, inclusive space that supports students across the school while strengthening connection to culture, identity, and community. The Koori Room provides opportunities for students to engage in meaningful cultural learning that builds understanding, respect, and pride. Through participation in a range of cultural experiences, students learn about bush tucker, Aboriginal dance, storytelling, and visual and cultural arts such as painting, carving, and music, including playing the didgeridoo. The Koori Room also provides culturally appropriate spaces for men’s business and girls’ business, supporting students’ social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing.

The program is led by two Aboriginal education staff members, Rachael Bromfield and Jarn Hodgson, who work closely with students to provide guidance, mentoring, and support. In addition to supporting students, the Koori Room plays a vital role in building whole-school cultural understanding by working alongside staff to strengthen culturally responsive practice and deepen understanding of Aboriginal perspectives.

The Koori Room reflects Swansea High School’s commitment to creating a culturally inclusive environment where students and staff feel respected, supported, and connected, and where Aboriginal culture is recognised as a vital and valued part of our school community.